LETTER: State celebrates Robert E. Lee’s birthday

Tuesday

Jan 15, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Dear Editor: On March 1, 1901, by act No. 617 the Alabama Legislature established the Robert E. Lee birthday as a state holiday. This year will mark the 112th celebration of this state holiday.Gen. Lee was born in Stratford, Va., on Jan. 19, 1807. No man in history is more worthy of a holiday than Lee. When Lee’s character is weighed in the balance it is revealed: an unwavering Christian faith, a remarkable sense of duty, great kindness, genuine humility, amazing self-control and consistency in everything.

Dear Editor: On March 1, 1901, by act No. 617 the Alabama Legislature established the Robert E. Lee birthday as a state holiday. This year will mark the 112th celebration of this state holiday.Gen. Lee was born in Stratford, Va., on Jan. 19, 1807. No man in history is more worthy of a holiday than Lee. When Lee’s character is weighed in the balance it is revealed: an unwavering Christian faith, a remarkable sense of duty, great kindness, genuine humility, amazing self-control and consistency in everything.This year of 2013, we are the middle of the sesquicentennial (150 years) of the War Between the States. Let us do our part to remember those who fought bravely against an invader of their homes and homeland. Don’t forget what President Dwight D. Eisenhower had to say about Lee in a letter dated Aug. 9, 1960: “General Robert E. Lee was, in my estimation, one of the supremely gifted men produced by our nation. From deep conviction I simply say this: a nation of men of Lee’s caliber would be unconquerable in spirit and soul. Such are the reasons that I proudly display the picture of this great American on my office wall.”In Alabama, his birthday will be observed on Jan. 21. Let us all remember our heritage and the honorable Gen. Lee. This is why we pay homage to our great hero, General Robert E. Lee.

Allan KoesterCommander of the Hartsook Guard SCV Camp in FayetteSulligent

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